Many people envision rapists as having the typical physical appearance of a criminal. Middle-aged, overweight, socially awkward. He lurks in dark alleyways and follows unsuspecting females to their homes. He emits an "uncomfortable" and "creepy" vibe, stalking his victims by using intimidation and fear. However, in many cases, this is not so.

A close friend of mine was recently raped. Perhaps the most frightening aspect was that her rapist was not middle-aged or visibly perverted. Still, his actions went against her wishes, and he forced intercourse on her. Yet, he did not attack her on a darkened street or threaten her with a weapon. He was a typical college student who did not appear at all to possess the characteristics of a rapist. While many skeptics blame the involvement of alcohol as suspect in such a horrific crime, I disagree.

College males are seldom criticized for their frequent alcoholic intoxication, yet a woman who becomes drunk and is taken advantage of is often accused of misleading her perpetrator. Since rape is such a crime in that those often condemn the victim around her, many rapes go unreported, and it is easy to see why.

It is imperative that women know how to safely socialize here at Penn State, as well as all other interactive environments. Until all men learn the distinct differences between consensual and nonconsensual sex, females must permanently look out for their own safety.